Wednesday, June 18, 2008

On second thought, maybe that wasn't so bad...

I really wish I would have kept a journal when I was going through one of the toughest times in my life. A little over three years ago I got divorced and it was a very difficult time for me emotionally. I struggled with a lot of the feelings I was having and getting past a lot of the hurt I felt seemed insurmountable. I think I also struggled to articulate what exactly was hurting inside and it took me some time to get past the disappointment. I think had I sat down to write how I was feeling, the actual healing process may have taken effect sooner.

I think it would also be interesting to look back on the events that took place three years ago and see how I was feeling and what I was doing. It would also be great to look at how I overcame that personal adversity. Looking back on that time now, it is amazing to see how far I've come and how happy I am today. When I write my entries, I think a lot about the people that will read my journal. I often think about the trials they may have one day and how my experiences might help them be stronger.

I admit, my divorce was hard on me. And I think my journal entries during that time would sound confused, hurt, angry, and very sad. But one of the reasons we created Afterthoughts in LDSJournal was to allow people to create comments on past journal entries. We feel that each person has a life that is worth recording and something valuable can be learned from all of us. I personally think it would be wonderful to read those entries during that difficult time and comment today about how I overcame those trials to be better. I think I would also comment on how Heavenly Father has a plan and even when things get tough, I should know to put faith in Him.

I hope those of you that are struggling (or thriving) are recording those entries and if you learn any lessons from those events that you will take the time to go back and create an Afterthought to share insight into your life and your thoughts and feelings. It's one of my favorite features and I hope you like it, too.

4 comments:

What a great idea! I found my journals from when I first married my husband. They made me sick to my stomach. I know we had good days,but not one was recorded. Just all my whining!!! I try to focus on the positive now when I write.

Personally, "Afterthought" is an incredible idea! In my own experience, after stretches of excellent journal keeping, I will endure a major trial and "wig out." The first thing to go is my journal - right to the shredder!

My current goal, having mellowed out a bit, is to re-create my journal in chapter form over the next several years. Meanwhile, I strive to write a daily entry that records not merely the day's events but more importantly thoughts and feelings about my life and that of my family. While I don't hedge on the emotions, I do strive to maintain a generally positive attitude not only in my journal but also in my daily life.

Knowing that the Afterthoughts piece is there, is a marvelous safety valve!

I love the idea of Afterthoughts. One of the reasons I journal (actually, I don't... not consistently... but hopefully ldsjournal will change that) is to process through experiences / trials and how I feel about them. Sometimes it's not pretty and would be embarrassing if someone else read them. But I journal primarily for myself, and secondarily for posterity.

It's also nice to go back and read about some of my experiences. Sometimes I'm grateful I'm not there any more, sometimes I can see things (like blessings) in hindsight. Afterthoughts seems like a great way to learn again from a past experience.